Britain and France are spearheading a proposal for a European reassurance force, comprising fewer than 30,000 troops primarily focused on air and maritime defense, to deter future Russian aggression against Ukraine following a potential peace deal. This force aims to secure Ukrainian airspace and seaborne trade, vital for the nation’s economic recovery, and protect critical infrastructure. However, the plan’s success hinges on securing a US commitment to a supporting air power presence, a point UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be lobbying President Trump on. Russia has already voiced strong opposition to any NATO presence in Ukraine.
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Following a U.S.-Russia meeting in Riyadh to discuss the Ukraine conflict, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the fundamental principle of Ukrainian inclusion in any peace negotiations, stating that “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” This stance aligns with that of Canada’s allies and contrasts sharply with the U.S.-Russia meeting’s exclusion of Ukrainian officials, a decision that has drawn criticism from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and other European leaders. Trudeau reiterated Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression, highlighting the devastating human cost of the war and Russia’s violation of international norms. President Trump’s comments blaming Ukraine for the conflict further underscore the divisions surrounding the ongoing war.
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President Zelenskyy vehemently rejected Donald Trump’s assertion that Ukraine initiated the war with Russia, accusing Trump of operating within a “disinformation bubble” and emphasizing Ukraine’s unwavering stance against concessions. He dismissed Trump’s low approval rating claims, citing a recent poll showing high public trust. Zelenskyy further asserted that any attempt to replace him during the war would fail, highlighting the Ukrainian military’s strength and the nation’s refusal to negotiate with Russia. He also rejected Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine should provide minerals in exchange for U.S. aid, stating that Ukraine is not for sale.
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In early February 2025, eight Russian drone operators suffered eye injuries from exploding FPV goggles. Approximately 80 sets of Skyzone Cobra goggles, delivered as humanitarian aid via various organizations, were found to contain C-4 explosives, detonators, and batteries. These improvised explosive devices, seemingly remotely detonated, caused multiple incidents across several regions of Russia. The first explosion occurred on February 4th in Belgorod, with subsequent incidents reported through February 7th.
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Following a meeting between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, Donald Trump expressed disappointment with Ukraine’s negotiation efforts, suggesting a quicker resolution was possible. He touted his own negotiating skills and proposed Ukrainian elections as a condition for peace, a suggestion he claimed originated not from Russia but from himself and other countries. Trump also revealed past discussions with Putin regarding Ukraine, asserting that Putin initially had no intention of invading. Despite Ukraine’s absence from the talks, US and Russian officials agreed to restore embassy staffing and establish a high-level team to negotiate peace.
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President Zelenskyy vehemently rejected Donald Trump’s assertion that Ukraine initiated the war with Russia, calling it disinformation originating from Russia and emphasizing Ukraine’s unwavering stance against concessions. He dismissed Trump’s low approval rating claim, citing a recent poll showing significantly higher support. Zelenskyy also affirmed the Ukrainian army’s resilience and rejected any suggestion of replacing him during the ongoing conflict, underscoring the Ukrainian people’s unified opposition to Russian demands. Furthermore, he refuted Trump’s implication of a potential deal to avert the war, stating that Ukraine is not for sale and that any negotiations must involve Ukraine directly.
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Zelenskyy postponed his previously scheduled visit to avoid coinciding with the U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, held on February 18th, emphasizing Ukraine’s exclusion from these discussions. The nearly five-hour meeting between U.S. and Russian foreign ministers resulted in agreements to restore embassy staffing and establish missions focused on peace negotiations. However, reports of a potential three-stage peace plan, including Ukrainian elections, were met with Zelenskyy’s firm rejection of any Russian ultimatums. Ukraine’s position remains that no decisions regarding the war can be made without its direct involvement.
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EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis urged the EU to assume greater autonomy in its sanctions policy against Russia, anticipating potential shifts in U.S. priorities. This call comes amidst ongoing work on a 16th sanctions package and hints from U.S. Secretary of State Rubio suggesting future EU involvement in sanctions relief discussions with Russia. The G7 previously linked further sanctions to peace negotiations. The EU’s 15th package, approved in December, targeted numerous individuals and entities involved in facilitating Russia’s war effort.
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Keir Starmer’s proposal to send British troops to Ukraine following a ceasefire necessitates clarification regarding their role and scale of deployment. While the UK demonstrated rapid troop and equipment mobilization during Exercise Steadfast Dart, Brigadier Watson emphasized the need for a multinational effort, as a UK-only operation is infeasible. The exercise, showcasing NATO’s rapid response capabilities, also highlighted limitations, with current NATO participation representing only a tenth of the troops potentially needed for a Ukraine peacekeeping mission. Therefore, any UK contribution would require significant international collaboration.
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John Q. Hosedrinker